Mauritania entry requirements for Kazakhstan passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Kazakh passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. No need to apply in advance — just show up at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) with your documents and pay the fee. This has been the policy since at least 2024.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Mauritania requires all foreign nationals to obtain an eVisa through the MAAVE portal before arrival. Apply at maave.gov.mr/en/ at least 72 hours before your flight. The eVisa costs around $55 USD and is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Mauritania. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Nouakchott International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. If you cannot show one, they may deny entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Mauritania. Officers sometimes ask for this during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card statement ready. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your stay, particularly if you are traveling without a pre-paid tour or package. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (EUR or USD). ATMs at Nouakchott Airport are often out of order or don't accept foreign cards. Bring enough small bills to cover the fee and a few days of expenses.
Visa on arrival only at Nouakchott Airport
This facility is confirmed at NKC. If you're entering by land or through another airport (e.g., Nouadhibou), you may need to get a visa in advance from a Mauritanian embassy. Check before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott Airport
After landing at NKC, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form — name, passport number, flight details, hotel address. Fill it out while queuing.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over your passport, form, and cash (EUR or USD). The officer will process payment and issue a receipt.
4
Receive visa sticker and proceed
The visa is stamped or stuck into your passport. Then go to passport control for entry stamp. Total time: 15–30 minutes if queue is short.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Kazakhstan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
For frequent travellers; apply at embassy.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in euros or USD at the airport upon arrival. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; avoid overstaying. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Mauritania
No transit visa needed
Kazakhstan passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) · Nouadhibou International Airport (NDB)
Health & vaccines for Mauritania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in southern regions.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to limited sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas. Use mosquito repellent and nets.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Nouakchott
Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale (Immigration)
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, Nouakchott
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de la Résistance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration matters for northern region.
Practical information for KZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalNouakchott
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyMauritanian ouguiya (MRU)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 39.92 MRU
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,E,FTypes C (Europlug), E (French), and F (Schuko) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The fee is typically around €55–€100, payable in cash (EUR or USD preferred). Exact amount can vary — check with your airline or the Mauritanian embassy before travel. Have small bills ready.
The visa on arrival is reliably available at Nouakchott International Airport (NKC). Land border crossings (e.g., from Senegal or Morocco) may not offer this facility — you'd need to arrange a visa in advance. For other airports like Nouadhibou, check with the nearest embassy.
The standard visa on arrival is usually valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible at the immigration office in Nouakchott, but the process can be slow. Plan your trip within 30 days to avoid hassles.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need a vaccination certificate. Kazakhstan is not a yellow fever country, so you likely won't need it unless you've recently traveled to an endemic area. Check current WHO requirements before flying.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or entry at immigration. Renew your passport before travel. No exceptions.
No — only cash. ATMs at the airport are unreliable and may not accept foreign cards. Bring EUR or USD in small denominations.
Mauritania is generally safe for tourists in main areas like Nouakchott and the Sahara attractions, but petty crime exists. Avoid border regions with Mali and Western Sahara. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.